Matthew 5:12 (Berean Study Bible)
12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in Heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
As Christians, we know that death is not the end. There is much that remains for us to do after we pass from this world into the next. In fact, death is only a stepping stone from limited to eternal life. Our mortal days here on Earth are only a preparatory period of worship before coming to be with the Lord. We are told time and time again to keep our eyes on Heaven and to drive for the things unseen. But what exactly will our reward in Heaven look like?
The Bible talks about Heaven in no uncertain terms, referencing God’s great kingdom over 692 times in the New King James Version. These verses recount hundreds of prophecies, warnings, blessings, and admonishments about how we as Christians are to deal with Heaven. After all, we will live, work, and worship in Heaven for eternity!
Before we understand the rewards that wait for us in Heaven, we must first understand where our eternal life will take place. Christians for thousands of years have wanted to know: what will Heaven be like?
There are several verses that talk about the physical makeup of Heaven, with features that include:
People from every tribe, tongue, and nation (Revelation 21:9-12)
No mourning, crying, or pain (Revelation 21:4)
Incredible peace and beauty (Revelation 22:1-5)
Eternal life (Matthew 25:46)
A lasting city that is to come (Hebrews 13:14)
Consequently, we know a few things about the rewards that wait for us in Heaven thanks to the Word of God:
We are each repaid according to the good we do (Matthew 16:27)
We must remain steadfast under trials to store away things of Heaven (James 1:12)
We have been faithful over a little, and God will set us over much. We enter gratefully into the joy of our Master (Matthew 25:21)
The treasures of Heaven do not fade, break, or wear away (Luke 12:33-34)
Our reward in Heaven is great (Luke 6:23)
There is so much that we as humans can never comprehend about God’s great plan. Even the thought of Heaven and eternal life pushes our minds to the limit! That is one of the reasons why we use faith, our deep knowledge of the Lord, to keep us grounded on the teachings of God.
Friends, life will be difficult. There will be many things that seek to distract us, and pull us away from focusing on our true reward. But let us take heart, rejoice and be glad! As the Apostle Matthew reminds us, our reward is great in Heaven. Let us focus on the things unseen today!
Closing Thoughts:
Are there times you have slipped away from the promise of Heaven? What was it that distracted you, and how can you fight against those temptations in the future? How can you keep your eyes on Heaven today, and encourage others to do the same? Remember that Christ has promised us eternal life, a life that goes on for all eternity. Let us keep our eyes on the rewards of Heaven!
Isaiah 41:27 (New English Standard Version)
27 I was the first to tell Zion: 'Look, here they are!' And I gave to Jerusalem a herald of good news.
Joel 3:17 (Berean Study Bible)
Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who dwells in Zion, My holy mountain. Jerusalem will be holy, never again to be overrun by foreigners.
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